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Case 55 - Council turned down offer from volunteers to cut back overgrown footpath if tools were provided

Issue

Volunteers had offered to cut back an overgrown public footpath and asked the borough council if it could provide some tools for them to do the job. The council turned down the offer

Panel decision

The problem here appears to be with the loaning of council equipment to enable the volunteers to carry out the work. The council would have some health and safety responsibilities in relation to any tools they lend out, but giving advice on sensible precautions and use should enable the council to support these willing volunteers rather than stand in their way